UFO Times - No 12 - Mar 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 12
Date: March 1991
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA, focuses heavily on ufology in Yugoslavia with a "YUGO UFO RETROSPECTIVE" on the cover. It also features articles on the state of ufology, witness perception, and international UFO events.

Contents

The issue includes:

• Editorial: A Witness' Paradox
• News: Updates on R1 UFO report replacement, the passing of John G. Fuller, and newsclipping figures.
• Historical Background of Ufology in Yugoslavia by Milos Krmelj
• Reviews
• Mexico's Zone of Silence by Henry Tricks
• Congress 1991 News
• Investigations Diary Edited by Jenny Randles
• Evaluation of the GEP-CENAP Perception Experiment by Alex Keul
• Skywatcher Edited by Gary Anthony
• Letters

Editorial: A Witness' Paradox

The editorial discusses the nature of UFO testimony, highlighting that reports are based on witness accounts which become secondhand information once investigated. It emphasizes the need for care and objectivity when interpreting these accounts, noting that while most cases (95%) are explainable, witnesses often remain unhappy. The editorial references a controversial presentation by Hilary Evans questioning the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), which led to some witnesses walking out, suggesting a desire among some to maintain the mystery surrounding their experiences.

News

R1 Poised for Replacement: The R1 UFO report questionnaire, in use for over a decade, is being replaced by a new four-page document to better reflect modern investigative techniques. Ken Phillips stated the importance of including more witness details. New investigation summary and database forms, along with a training program, will also be released.

John G Fuller Dies: The writer of the classic UFO book 'The Interrupted Journey' passed away in November. Fuller had a career in radio and television broadcasting but was best known for his writings on the unexplained, including books on UFOs and the aftermath of the Seveso chemical plant explosion.

Circles Increase Newsclipping Figures: BUFORA's newsclipping agency reported an all-time high in 1990, but this was largely due to crop circle stories, not an increase in UFO sightings. The media's focus on crop circles peaked in August, overshadowing UFO stories.

Circle Cuttings Cancelled: Due to the high volume of expensive newsclippings unrelated to UFOs, BUFORA will not be receiving crop circle stories from its agency in the summer, as they did not yield new research data.

Recession One & Two: The economic recession is impacting ufology, with drops in readership for UFO magazines and membership in UFO groups. However, BUFORA's membership figures are rallying. A recession in sightings is also noted, with a lull in activity in continental Europe and fewer reports reaching investigators in the UK. The war in the Gulf is suggested as a factor contributing to reduced public focus on UFOs.

Historical Background of Ufology in Yugoslavia by Milos Krmelj

This extensive article traces the development of ufology in Yugoslavia, starting in 1954 with the publication of Donald E. Keyhoe's book, which generated significant interest. A wave of UFO sightings occurred in Europe and Yugoslavia that year, though close encounters were rare due to a media blockade. The author notes that while some papers reported enthusiastically, others dismissed sightings as delusions or meteorological phenomena.

In the following decade, reports were scarce, but information on Project Blue Book was published. The mid-sixties saw a resurgence, with extracts from John Fuller's 'Incident at Exeter' published in 1966. 'Tovaris' magazine also published articles on ufology, covering figures like George Adamski and military aviation viewpoints.

Another wave of sightings occurred in 1967, leading to the formation of the first ufological organization in Slovenia, the Yugoslav branch of 'Contact UK' (Sky Scouts). This organization, however, was primarily a debating club and did not conduct investigations.

The year 1971 marked a significant increase in UFO sightings, including radar observations and numerous flights across Yugoslavia, starting in late September and declining by December. The 'Sky Scouts' association dissolved in 1970, but some members, including the author (Milos Krmelj), continued their interest. This led to the formation of the UFO (NLP) association ZVEZA SOLT in March 1972, which aimed to publish its own material and function more seriously.

From 1972 onwards, the association published 'UFO INFORMATOR' (later 'Odiseja'), initially bi-monthly but often issued quarterly due to costs. By 1975, nearly 100 cases had been gathered, and the association was active in mass communications. Another wave of sightings occurred in late 1975, similar to 1971, with close encounters reported. The years 1976 and 1977 saw further sightings, including close encounters of the second and third kind.

A "Slovene Flap" occurred after 1978, with sightings declining until a rise in 1986-1987, followed by a significant wave in 1988. The author notes that this last wave has not been fully analyzed due to the limited area of Slovenia and weak communication with southern republics.

The article also discusses "debunkers" in Slovenia and Yugoslavia, mentioning Dr. Fran Dominko and Dr. Tatomir Andzelic, who held negative views on ufology. Colonel Stevan Kords is mentioned for his theory that UFOs were NATO spy balloons.

Literature: The article lists Yugoslav ufological publications, including BILTEN (issued quarterly by the association), 'NLP Stvarnost?' by Jovan Knezvic (1976), J. Allen Hynek's 'The Hynek UFO Report' (Slovene translation, 1980), and Nigel Blundell's 'The World's Greatest UFO Mysteries' (1987). Books by Milos Krmelj and Adolf Bele are also mentioned.

Other Associations: The author states their association is the most active and the only one conducting on-the-spot investigations. Other associations mentioned include one in Belgrade and others that are primarily debating clubs.

Out of the Stone Age: The author concludes that Yugoslavia is still in the "Stone Age" regarding ufology but is trying to advance.

Other Articles and Features

Mexico's Zone of Silence: A brief mention indicates an article by Henry Tricks on this topic.

Congress 1991 News: This section promises a full update on a major congress to be held in the UK.

Investigations Diary: Edited by Jenny Randles, this section likely details recent UFO case investigations.

Evaluation of the GEP-CENAP Perception Experiment by Alex Keul: This article presents an in-depth paper on witness perception, likely analyzing how witnesses interpret events.

Skywatcher: Edited by Gary Anthony, this column probably covers current astronomical events or UFO-related sky phenomena.

Letters: A section for reader correspondence.

Computer Supplies

BUFORA offers discounts on Amstrad PCW computer consumables, including discs and ribbons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine, published by BUFORA, maintains a stance of encouraging scientific research into UFO phenomena while acknowledging the challenges of witness testimony and the need for objectivity. The editorial highlights the dichotomy between the desire for answers and the resistance to explanations that demystify experiences. The historical focus on Yugoslavia suggests an interest in exploring ufology's development in different regions. The inclusion of sections like 'Investigations Diary' and 'Skywatcher' indicates a commitment to reporting on current UFO and related phenomena. The magazine also addresses the broader context of ufology, including media coverage, economic impacts, and the activities of other organizations.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Date: August 1991
Cover Headline: Mexico's Zone of Silence
Price: £2.25

This issue of UFO Times delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, featuring a critical review of a publication on the Aveley Abduction, an exploration of Mexico's mysterious Zone of Silence, and extensive coverage of the upcoming 6th International UFO Congress. It also includes the regular 'Investigations Diary' with numerous case reports.

The Aveley Abduction: A Review

The issue opens with a scathing review of a new publication titled 'The Aveley Abduction: A UFOIN Case Report', edited by Andrew Walmsley and Philip Mantle. The reviewer, Andy Collins, expresses his strong displeasure, claiming that the publication is essentially his own work, including his 'artists impressions', which has been re-issued without his consent or proper credit. He likens it to the Stone Roses' record company cashing in on old material without permission. Collins details how he conducted the investigation into the Aveley Abduction in 1977, involving the Avis family, hypnosis, and extensive recording of experiences over six months. He states that the original report was typed and submitted to the UFO Investigations Network, and later published in FSR. Collins feels that the new publication is an 'utter rip off' and that the joint copyright, which stated 'Andy Collins/FSR Publications/UFOIN', was not respected.

A Change of Life

This section, seemingly part of the original Aveley Abduction report, describes how the incident dramatically changed the lives of the Avis family. John became an artist, and Elaine became a midwife. They experienced frequent psychic talents and paranormal events. The report highlights the painstaking work of myself (Andy Collins) and Barry King in recording the incidents over a six-month period, and the subsequent writing and typing of the report in January 1978. Artist's impressions and the Avises' own drawings were enhanced for publication. The finished report was submitted to the UFO Investigations Network, then under Jenny Randles, and was published in FSR for £70.

Leech

Andy Collins continues his critique, accusing 'unscrupulous authors' of exploiting his 'case report' for their own books without due credit. He mentions one author who refused to use his name, instead crediting John Rimmer, who had previously used the case report in his book 'Alien Abductions'. Collins laments how his and other investigators' material is used by 'armchair authors' who leech off organizations like BUFORA and UFOIN, ensuring they are on subscription lists for journals and magazines. He notes that the IUN has taken over the custodianship of UFOIN files. Collins recounts how Andrew Walmsley asked for permission to use material on the Aveley Abduction, which he granted, only to later find the publication by Mantle and Walmsley. The only credit given to him was 'original investigation by Andy Collins' on an inside page.

Mexico's Zone of Silence

This article, written by Henry Tricks, explores the mysterious 'Zone of Silence' in Mexico's Mapimi Desert. The region is rumored to be an area where a strange force causes clocks, radios, and cars to fail. It is also associated with UFO sightings, ancient trees, falling meteorites, and fossilized sea shells. Farm workers recount bizarre tales, such as a flying saucer lighting up a farm. Scientists suggest that the meteorites are naturally formed, while locals believe they are aerolites that fall routinely. The article mentions that the zone crosses the borders into the southwestern United States. Workers at a laboratory studying the desert's flora and fauna dismiss the superstitions as an attempt to attract tourists. Dr. Alejandro Peschard, director of Durango's general hospital, highlights the government-funded laboratory's natural wonders, including a fossilized tree and turtle eggs. He notes that studies found the zone's characteristics are found throughout the Mapimi Desert, and the magnetism levels are normal. The article also discusses a 1970 US rocket crash in the Zone of Silence, which led to the site being sealed off for months, possibly due to radioactive or nuclear material. Peschard believes this crash marked the beginning of the fantasies surrounding the Zone of Silence.

6th International UFO Congress

This section announces the upcoming 6th International UFO Congress, titled 'UFOS: THE GLOBAL VIEW', to be held in Sheffield from August 16th to 18th, 1991. Organized by ICUR, BUFORA, IUN, and MUFON, it is described as probably Britain's largest ever congress. The event will feature speakers from around the world discussing UFO phenomenon and close encounters. The congress will be opened by BUFORA's president, Major Sir Patrick Wall, with a gala dinner and a cocktail party arranged. Special room rates are available at the Rutland Hotel. Speakers confirmed include Charles Hickson (Pasagoula incident abductee), Catherine Howard, Betty Cash & Vickie Landrum (relating their 1980 Texas encounter and subsequent battle with the US Government), Thomas E. Bullard, Budd Hopkins (reporting on his work on abductions, possibly bringing witness Kathie Davies), Cynthia Hind (presenting on African cases), Paul Norman, and Judith Magee (presenting Australian research). Continental Europe will be represented by speakers from Spain, Norway, France, and Sweden.

Rock IV the Congress

A new dimension to the congress will be the performance by the Scottish rock band CEIV on the Saturday night. The band is committed to their subject matter, aiming to convey a message of awareness about a baffling mystery. The article encourages attendees to bring cameras to capture the visuals, including an 'alien' backdrop and artwork.

Congress Prices

Ticket prices are set at £6-00 per day or £15-00 for all three days. An additional £2-00 is required to watch the CEIV concert, and the congress dinner is £9-75. Booking forms are available within the magazine or from Andy Roberts.

Investigations Diary

Edited by Jenny Randles, this section provides a summary of UFO reports from the British Isles. The year 1990 generated over 1000 press cuttings, mostly related to crop circles, but also some UFO sightings. However, there were no outstanding cases in 1990. The diary includes reports on spectacular space debris re-entries, and BUFORA's role in exposing the truth about a case, with a critique of 'The Skeptic' magazine for not acknowledging BUFORA's efforts. A 'Clarke Plaque' debate is mentioned regarding the wording of a plaque at the Livingston site of a 1978 landing, with the Livingston Development Council reportedly pushing Arthur C. Clarke's involvement and ignoring the witness.

The diary then lists numerous individual case reports from various locations across the UK, including:

• Shoreditch, London (1970): Multiple lights and poltergeist effects.
• Montsorrel, Leics. (Nov. 1972): Disc-shaped object with windows and flame.
• Hyde Park, London (July 1977): Cigar-shaped UFO in clouds, followed by sightings in Watford.
• Hinkley, Leics. (March 1980): Disc-shaped object with windows and humming noise.
• Hinkley, Leics. (Nov. 1984): Lozenge-shaped object with lights, shot off when aircraft flew over.
• Dartford, Kent (Sept. 1985): Complex case involving close encounters and aliens.
• Bournemouth, Dorset (1986 onward): CEIV experiences, 'alien pellets', and vivid UFO dreams.
• Rockbeare, Devon (June 1987): 'Big, green, fluorescent marrow' in thunderclouds.
• Limpsfield, Surrey (Feb. 1988): Two discs side by side, pulsating.
• Tamworth, Staffs. (May 1988): Multiple lights, identified as possible air force refuelling.
• Castlewellen, N. Ireland (Unknown 1988): Brief red flash, likely a meteor.
• Rainham, Kent (Feb. 1988): Silver object, possibly a toy balloon.
• Bargoed, S. Wales (July 1988): White light stationary over TV mast.
• Mutford, Suffolk (Oct. 1988): Flashing lights, identified as military activity.
• Hemel Hempstead, Herts. (Oct. 1988): 'Three half-sucked Smarties' object in orange haze.
• Hurtwood, Surrey (Nov. 1988): Object with lights and searchlight.
• Stanage Moor, Derbys. (April 1989): Spinning-top-shaped object with lights.
• Corby, Northants. (July 1989): Silvery light for over an hour.
• Dublin, Eire (July 1989): Orange disc emitting 'baby' lights.
• Potters Bar, Herts. (Aug. 1989): Dark object spinning, saucer-like with red band.
• Icklingham, Suffolk (Feb. 1989): Mass of lights descending into woods, with military activity.

The NIC and UFO Times editorial board invite investigators to submit material for the 'Investigations Diary'.

Evaluation of the GEP-CENAP Perception Experiment

This article by Dr. Alex Keul details the results of perception tests conducted jointly by the GEP and CENAP groups at the end of 1988. The experiment involved projecting a color slide of a rising hot-air balloon (similar to those in UFO reports) for 10 seconds, or providing a paper copy of the photograph. Subjects were asked to estimate the duration and sketch the object. The experiment aimed to confirm previous findings regarding witness statements. The evaluation of the data was time-consuming, with the author focusing on four attempts using the slide projection method. The article describes the subjects involved in experiments conducted in Laupheim, Koala, 'Mysteria', and by Wunder, detailing their age ranges, professions, and the number of participants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO publications and the ethics of reporting, the exploration of mysterious locations with paranormal reputations, and the comprehensive reporting of UFO events and research from around the world. The magazine appears to champion the work of independent investigators and organizations like BUFORA, while being critical of those who exploit or misrepresent UFO cases. There is a strong emphasis on detailed investigation and the sharing of information within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of active engagement with UFO phenomena, encouraging both reporting and critical analysis.

Title: UFO Times
Issue Date: 1991
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd.
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO Times features a range of articles and discussions related to UFO phenomena, astronomy, and space exploration. It includes experimental analysis of witness testimonies, discussions on UFO research, and updates on space missions.

Time Estimations and Object Sketches

The magazine presents findings from experimental groups regarding time estimations and the analysis of object sketches. The 'Time Estimations' section details how different groups (Walter, Kelch, Peiniger, Wunder) estimated the duration of a projected event, with results showing a tendency for misreckoning, though mean values from larger groups were considered reliable. The 'Content Analysis of the Object Sketches' section discusses the verbal descriptions and sketches provided by these groups. The 'Quality of the Verbal Descriptions' and 'Quality of the Object Sketches' sections further analyze these outputs using rating scales. The Walter and Peiniger groups produced black and white sketches, while Kelch and Wunder produced colour sketches. The analysis indicates that verbal descriptions and sketches rarely yielded 'very good' results, with most falling into the 'good' to 'wishi-washi' (neutral) categories. Explanations for the perceived objects were categorized as 'traditional/technical', 'UFO', or 'natural phenomenon'.

UFO Interest and Research

The 'Known UFO Interest, UFO Literature' section surveys the interest levels in UFOs and exposure to UFO literature among school children in the four experimental groups. The Peiniger group showed the highest interest in UFO literature, while the Wunder group responded negatively. The 'Necessity of UFO Research' section argues for the importance of funding UFO research and highlights the need for testable evidence and scientific standards. It notes that the scientific establishment is warming to theories like the 'Meaden Vortex'.

Letters to the Editor

The 'Letters' section features correspondence from readers. Terry Cox discusses the 'Meaden Vortex' theory, urging for a simple explanation of its mechanics and questioning the dismissal of 'nuts and bolts' UFO cases as atmospheric effects. Daniel Manning comments on the editors' remarks about the Meaden Vortex, acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon. Another reader takes issue with the enthusiastic promotion of theories in ufology, cautioning against accepting facts that fit a narrative while discarding those that don't, and emphasizing the need for scientific proof before declaring 'discoveries'. Norman Oliver discusses the meaning of 'occult' and 'mysterious' in relation to both Christian theology and UFO phenomena. The editor's comments address personal well-wishes and lecture arrangements.

Space News

The 'Space News' section provides updates on space exploration and astronomical events. The 'Salyut Re-entry Spectacle' reports on the re-entry of the Soviet space station Salyut-7 and Kosmos-1686 into Earth's atmosphere over South America in February 1991. The 'Ulysses: Fully Operational' article confirms that the European's deep-space probe is fully operational and millions of kilometers from Earth. 'Astronauts Wanted: Apply Within' announces the European Space Agency's (ESA) search for astronauts for flights on the 'Hermes' space-plane to the international space station and the 'Columbus' laboratory. The 'Hipparcos Exceeds Expectations' article details the success of the High Precision Parallax Collecting Satellite, which is providing fundamental astronomical data and exceeding expectations in accuracy.

Skywatcher

The 'Skywatcher' section, edited by Gary Anthony, provides astronomical information for March and April 1991. It details the positions and visibility of planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with lunar phases and meteor showers. It also includes a star chart for the constellation Orion.

Diary and UFOCALL

The 'Diary' section lists upcoming events, including BUFORA lectures and a special London lecture featuring Dr. Frank Stranges. It also announces the availability of Congress '91 ties and T-shirts. The 'UFOCALL' advertisement promotes a telephone service presented by Jenny Randles, offering the latest UFO news, cases, and research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of witness accounts and evidence, and the intersection of ufology with astronomy and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the ongoing debate and the need for further investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between speculation and scientifically verifiable data, as seen in the discussion of the Meaden Vortex theory and the call for 'proof' in scientific claims.